For Ingrid Fournier, stories have always held power—especially the ones that shape who we are. That’s what makes Mom Always Says, the storytelling event she co-founded with her friend Lisa McNeilley, so meaningful. It’s more than just an evening of reflections and memories—it’s a celebration of the women who raise, shape, and inspire. For Ingrid, two such women stand at the center of her story: her own mother, and her daughter.
“They both taught me to see the world differently. They both believe in me, which makes me believe in myself,” Ingrid says. The wisdom passed down from her mother, and the joy she finds in watching her daughter thrive, are reminders of the profound ways love and encouragement can guide a life.
That same belief in growth and potential has been the heart of Ingrid’s work for decades. In the 1990s, while working as a staff assistant in Washington, D.C., under the George H.W. Bush administration, she supported youth volunteer organizations. During that time, an interview with someone from National CASA left a lasting mark. “I said, ‘When I retire, I’m going to look into this.’”
Years later, retired from teaching but still deeply committed to helping children, Ingrid is keeping that promise. Although there isn’t a CASA program in her area yet, she and her husband are working with Michigan CASA to change that—to build something lasting for children who need it most.
CASA of Kent County operates on the belief that every child deserves a voice. Their volunteers listen carefully to children’s stories, then speak up for them in court, ensuring their needs are heard and understood.
Storytelling—whether on a stage, across a kitchen table, or in a courtroom—connects people. It gives meaning to experiences and strength to those who feel unseen. That’s why Ingrid and Lisa feel so drawn to CASA. They know that when someone listens, when someone believes, it can change everything.
This post is part of our 2025 Humans of CASA of Kent County campaign. Click here to check out the campaign webpage and read more featured stories.
“There’s a big difference between wishing for a better world and participating in one,” says Senator Winnie Brinks. It’s a belief she’s lived out over years of public service, a commitment that started long before she entered the Michigan Legislature.
Since 2019, Lisa McNeilley and Ingrid Fournier have poured their hearts into Mom Always Says, an annual event honoring motherhood in all its forms – stories of nurturing mothers, complicated maternal relationships, and women who played a “mom” role.
When Christina Baur reflects on her identity and purpose, one word always rises to the surface: advocate.
Being an informed community member will better equip you to advocate for vulnerable children in our community. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on CASA of Kent County news, stories, events, and more. We promise not to overwhelm you with too many emails!
"*" indicates required fields